Early displacement of distal radius fracture.

In a retrospective series of 269 patients with distal radius fracture, initially undisplaced fractures (Older Type 1) had a good radiographical prognosis, whereas the more comminuted fractures showed increasing shortening until union, averaging 8 mm. Secondary displacement most often occurred during the first 2 weeks of immobilization, indicating that the radiographical control should be performed at that time. Reduction and fixation with plaster of the severely displaced Type 3 and 4 fractures never led to a satisfying radiographical end-result. Therefore, alternative methods of fixation should be considered in these fractures.